Significance of Sacred to Agni
Sacred to Agni encompasses several key aspects in Vedic traditions. It signifies places dedicated to Agni, the fire deity, and emphasizes the importance of rituals such as the Godana, where a cow is given as a gesture of respect. The term also highlights the Ashtaka festival and the significance of offerings made to Agni during sacrificial rites. Additionally, it includes references to a diamond symbolizing Agni and the connections of the first year's offerings, reinforcing Agni's central role in worship and rituals.
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Sacred to Agni'
"Sacred to Agni" in Hinduism reflects reverent offerings in rituals, emphasizing Agni's central role as the fire god, significant during the Ashtaka festival, and highlighting the importance of dedicated sacred spaces and sacrificial rites.
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) Refers to the Godana, a ritual where a cow is given to the guru, denoting gratitude and respect.[1] (2) Indicates offerings made with reverence to Agni, considered holy in the context of rituals.[2]
From: Gobhila-grihya-sutra
(1) The Ashtaka festival is sacred to the deity Agni, or to the Manes, Prajapati, the Seasons, or the Vishve devas.[3]
From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra
(1) Referring to the significance of offerings made to the fire deity, Agni, during sacrificial rites.[4]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) This indicates that the Ashtakas are celebrated in honor of Agni, the fire god, highlighting the ritual's importance in Vedic traditions.[5]
From: Apastamba Grihya-sutra
(1) Refers to the option of performing the Godana ceremony in honor of the fire deity, Agni.[6]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) Describes the he-goat as being devoted to Agni, emphasizing the relationship between them.[7] (2) Refers to a black-necked he-goat placed in front of the horse, associating it with Agni, a deity of fire, and suggesting the importance of fire in the ritual.[8] (3) Refers to animals that are honored in rituals dedicated to Agni, the fire god, highlighting their important role in the sacrifice.[9] (4) Refers to the specific victims offered in sacrifices that are dedicated to Agni, the fire god, for harmony in the ritual.[10] (5) Describing something that is holy and dedicated to the fire deity, Agni.[11]
From: Padma Purana
(1) Denotes places that are dedicated to Agni, the fire deity, and hold particular significance in the context of worship.[15]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Referring to songs that are dedicated to Agni, the deity associated with fire.[16]